(photo courtesy Scott Slater)

Three Rangers in the Horseshoe Battery looking out at Ft Ti.

At the end of August 1776 there were about 6,000 troops stationed here and at Fort Ticonderoga across the lake. By November 9 the strength was at 8,862 fit and present and on duty (as reported in last strength report). There were an additional 6,000 or so when those sick,or on furlough were included.

In the fall of 1776 Carlton headed up the lake from Canada. Benedict Arnold was waiting with his hurriedly constructed fleet and the Battle of Valcour Island ensued. Although Arnold was defeated it did give Carlton pause. When he arrived at Ft Ticonderoga/Mt Independence he was confronted with this force. Because of the lateness of the season, Carlton decided to call off his invasion for that year.

On July 5 1777 this number had dwindled to only about 3,000. With too few men to properly defend against General Burgoyne's new invasion force, the forts were abandoned. The retreating American forces of the rear guard were pursued and the Battle of Hubbardton was fought on the morning of July 7.

Mt Independence as it was in 1777. Sitting on a rocky promontory 200 feet above the lake, This position is nearly surrounded by cliffs and water.

Mt. Independence with the trails laid out today. The numbers indicate identified sites. The terrain is not very accessible for the handicapped but one trail is being currently developed specifically for the handicapped. There is a Visitor's Center with artifacts from the site and an unusual pair of "talking statues" that tell about the site, one from the American perspective and one from the British